Stagecoach orders 100 'green' buses

STAGECOACH, the Scottish transport group, has placed a £9 million order for 100 new buses with high-tech "green" exhaust systems for use on its regional UK bus network.

The Perth-based group said Leeds-based manufacturer Optare would supply the vehicles - including 75 Optare Solo vehicles - which should be delivered from May 2007 onwards.

All the new buses are fitted with "gas re-circulation" exhaust technology, making the vehicles among the most environmentally friendly in Stagecoach's fleet, the group said. The announcement comes only a week after Stagecoach, which is headed by chief executive Brian Souter, was named UK Bus Operator of the Year for the second year running.

Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: "We have invested more than £150m over the past three years as part of our drive to make our operations greener.

"This new fleet of high-quality, environmentally-friendly vehicles will help our drive to encourage car users to switch to the bus."

Bob Coombes, Optare's group managing director, said: "The innovative new Optare Versa will add great value to Stagecoach's drive to increase further its passenger numbers."